Leipzig Attractions: Top 10 Attractions (with Map)

Leipzig is currently the hottest city among young people and one of the most sought-after destinations for a city trip.

And not without reason: Leipzig is bursting with attractions and has something to offer for everyone.

From the historic St. Nicholas Church to the zoo and trendy neighborhoods, there's something for everybody.

Are you excited about Leipzig?

Then join us to discover the best attractions in Leipzig.

St. Nicholas Church is the landmark of Leipzig and thus the most famous attraction in the city.

It's the largest and oldest church in the city. Its full name is City and Parish Church of St. Nicholas.

In 2015, it celebrated its 850th anniversary.

After Leipzig obtained city rights in 1165, the construction of the church began.

Originally a Romanesque building from the 12th century, it was gradually expanded and transformed into a Gothic church in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The main tower was added in the 18th century.

Since then, St. Nicholas Church has maintained its exterior appearance. At least on the outside.

The interior was remodeled in neoclassical style during the Enlightenment.

Drawing on ancient models, the traditional Gothic elements were revised.

This is best seen in the columns and the flying buttresses.

The columns were fluted and the palm leaves growing from their capitals cover the ribbed vault.

Additionally, the ceiling was equipped with coffers and decorated with ornaments.

The predominant colors are white and pink, making the interior very bright and inviting.

Especially noteworthy is the organ of St. Nicholas Church.

With its 6,804 pipes, it is the largest church organ in the Free State of Saxony.

But that's not all the church has to offer.

St. Nicholas Church has been the site of significant historical events.

For example, Martin Luther delivered the first Reformation sermons here in Leipzig in 1539.

Johann Sebastian Bach premiered his St. John Passion here in 1724, and in the 1980s, the peace movement of East Germany began and found a home here.

Did you know?

The Monday demonstrations, considered the beginning of the peaceful revolution in 1989, originated from the Monday prayers held here.

These still take place every Monday.

As a particularly historical site, St. Nicholas Church is one of the most important attractions in Leipzig.

Few things are as closely associated with the city of Leipzig as the Battle of Nations Monument, which is rightfully one of the most important attractions in Leipzig.

In 1813, the Battle of Nations raged just outside of Leipzig.

And the name says it all: Over 20 nations participated in the fighting.

On one side were the troops of Napoleon and his allies, and on the other, the alliance of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden.

Until World War I, it was the largest battle in history.

The Battle of Nations ended with Napoleon's defeat and the retreat of his rule over Europe.

Shortly thereafter, thoughts turned to building a monument for the battle.

However, the cornerstone was not laid until 85 years later. In 1913 - one hundred years after the battle - the monument was inaugurated.

From 2003 to 2013, it underwent renovation.

With its height of 91 meters and life-sized warrior figures on the facade and inside, it is truly impressive.

During the Napoleonic rule, a growing sense of nationalism arose across Europe.

And the monuments of that time were meant to impress - often simply by their size.

These ideas are clearly reflected in the monument's imagery.

Right at the entrance stands a 20-meter tall Archangel Michael with sword, armor, and shield.

Inside, the martial imagery continues with four 10-meter tall sculptures representing 'German virtues.'

The 68-meter high dome is adorned with 324 life-sized riders.

By the way:

The Battle of Nations Monument is not just a direct testament to history, it also has a viewing platform from which you can enjoy a wonderful view.

You can either climb the 364 steps or take the elevator.

The market with the Old Town Hall is the central square in Leipzig.

Even before Leipzig became part of the German Empire, it had a central marketplace - which is now Richard-Wagner-Platz.

With the incorporation of Leipzig, the marketplace was moved to its current location and now serves as the city's heart.

Surrounding the market, you'll find numerous historic buildings, and the nearby streets invite you to shop.

Thus, the market is one of the most beautiful attractions in Leipzig.

On the market stands one of the oldest and most significant Renaissance buildings in Germany - the Old Town Hall.

Although the Old Town Hall existed before as a Romanesque building, the year 1556/57 is cited as its construction date.

At that time, the redesign and expansion took place, giving the house its current appearance.

The Renaissance facade is a true eye-catcher.

Inside, the 43-meter-long fest hall is the highlight.

It is particularly richly decorated and adorned with images of Saxon princes all around.

In the Old Town Hall, you'll also find the City History Museum of Leipzig and a 25-square-meter model showing Leipzig in the 19th century.

And for those who enjoy a scare, there are the cellar vaults with prison cells to explore.

The market and the Old Town Hall are not without reason in the top 10 of attractions in Leipzig.

The Mädler Passages are an absolute highlight, not only for shoppers but also for architecture enthusiasts.

As one of the most magnificent shopping arcades in Germany, it is located near the market and in the middle of the bustling city center.

When luggage and leather manufacturer Adolf Mädler purchased the property on Grimmaische Straße in 1911, he first demolished all existing buildings.

This included the building of Auerbach's Courtyard, which had been around since the 16th century.

Instead, a 142-meter-long, four-story new passage with a continuous glass roof was constructed.

After significant protests against the new construction project, the wine cellar of Auerbach's Courtyard was integrated into the passage.

This is still open to visitors today.

It's particularly famous because Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is said to have frequented it during his studies.

The architecture of the Mädler Passages convinces with its bright and inviting atmosphere.

Designed in the style of classicism, it features a particularly opulent facade with antique design elements.

These include:

A carillon made of Meissen porcelain that plays every hour.

The entrance portal flanked by two life-sized female figures.

However, the real highlight is the ceiling painting, which depicts scenes from Faust.

In front of the entrances to Auerbach's Cellar, there are also two sculptures showing Faust and Mephisto, along with the enchanted students.

The Mädler Passage is definitely one of the attractions in Leipzig that you should check out.

One of the best attractions in Leipzig for both children and adults is the Leipzig Zoo.

Starting in 1878, restaurateur Ernst Pinkert gradually transformed his restaurant grounds into a private zoo after realizing that animal exhibitions were becoming a major draw for the public.

Originally a modest zoo covering 2 hectares, it has grown increasingly larger and more diverse over the years.

It endured tough times during the two world wars but was able to quickly reopen and even expand after World War II.

In 2018, the Leipzig Zoo celebrated its 140th anniversary.

Leipzig Zoo is the city's main attraction and has been the most popular zoo in Germany - and not just since the zoo show 'Elefant, Tiger Co.' aired on MDR.

In international rankings, it is the second-best zoo in Europe - and rightly so.

Since 2000, the zoo has been continuously renovated and developed under the program 'Zoo of the Future.'

Currently, you can expect:

Pongoland - primates (Orangutans, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Bonobos)

Gondwanaland - tropical hall (over 100 animal species from the continents of Asia, Africa, and South America)

South America landscape - based on Pantanal, Pampa, and Patagonia (capybaras, anteaters, coatis, etc.)

Elephant Temple - modeled after an Indian temple (Asian elephants)

Tiger Taiga - northern Eurasian forests (Amur tigers)

Lion Savanna Makasi Simba - African savanna

Other highlights include the Bear Fortress, the aquarium, the Himalaya exhibit, the aviaries, the 'Explorer's House Arche,' and the Kiwara Savanna.

The zoo also hosts many special events including readings, jungle nights, the African evening 'Hakuna Matata,' and regular celebrations for calendar holidays.

Leipzig Zoo is one of the most species-rich zoos in Europe and undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Leipzig for kids.

In addition to the marketplace, there is another important square in Leipzig - Augustus Square, which was elaborately developed in the 18th century.

With its architectural ensemble of the New Theater, the Renaissance-style picture museum, the Old Augusteum, and the Pauliner Church, it was regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Germany.

And it could have remained so.

The destruction caused by World War II was less severe than feared, and most of the buildings could have been renovated.

However, the Politburo of the SED decided otherwise and opted for the complete redevelopment of the square - including renaming it Karl-Marx-Platz.

Thus, the buildings that give the square its current character were gradually constructed.

The most prominent among them are certainly the New Gewandhaus, the Leipzig Opera House, and the Augusteum as well as the Paulinum of Leipzig University.

A notable feature on Augustus Square is the Democracy Bell.

It looks like a large, golden egg and is meant to commemorate the Monday demonstrations on October 9, 1989.

It tolls every Monday at 6:35 PM.

Augustus Square is also one of the most important transportation hubs in Leipzig, as many tram lines converge here.

It can therefore be a bit bustling.

At the same time, it is one of the attractions in Leipzig that only reveals its beauty upon a second glance. Therefore, it is definitely worth a visit.

Tip:

The square is also very popular among students - especially in summer when they can cool off with a beer or ice cream at the fountain.

For some time now, Leipzig has also been called 'Hypezig,' mainly due to the trendy district of Plagwitz, located on the western edge of Leipzig.

The former industrial site with a dirty river, dilapidated houses, and few inhabitants has been transformed since the 90s into a beloved neighborhood for hipsters, students, artists, and free spirits.

'Like Berlin 20 years ago' is often said, and there's some truth to that.

In Plagwitz, you'll find charming old-style neighborhoods, old industrial buildings and wastelands, lots of greenery, and many small canals and streams that are wonderful for strolling.

A bit like Berlin after the fall of the Wall, indeed.

The epicenters are Karl-Heine-Straße and Zschochersche Straße.

Here you'll find a wild mix of small shops, cafes, pubs, galleries, residential buildings, and open spaces.

A walk through the neighborhood is definitely worthwhile, and you are sure to find your own personal attractions in Leipzig.

Plagwitz is also known for its many galleries and artists' studios.

There is simply a different flair here than in the city center.

Plagwitz and the adjacent district of Lindenau are the best attractions in Leipzig for young people.

Alongside St. Nicholas Church, St. Thomas Church is also one of the best-known attractions in Leipzig.

It is especially world-famous as the home of the Thomanerchor (the St. Thomas Boys' Choir), the workplace, and burial site of Johann Sebastian Bach.

From 1723 to 1750, Johann Sebastian Bach conducted the boy choir that has existed since 1212.

Additionally, it is the second principal church in Leipzig, after St. Nicholas Church.

The church is based on a structure that already existed in 1160.

This building was initially remodeled in the 14th century and ultimately demolished in the 15th century in favor of the still-visible late Gothic church.

The tower was completed in 1702.

The Baroque furnishings that existed during Bach's time were removed in the 19th century, and the interior of the church has since become somewhat more restrained.

Particularly noteworthy are the organs, as the St. Thomas Church received a new Bach organ for Bach's 250th birthday.

Tip:

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can participate in a tower tour.

The admission fee of 2 euros is quite reasonable.

Children under 12 may visit the tower for free.

With the Panometer, Leipzig has a quite unique attraction.

What the artist Yadegar Asisi has created in the former gasometer - a storage tank for city gas - is truly impressive:

Since 2003, walkable 360-degree panoramic images have been displayed in the Panometer.

With a height of 32 meters and a length of about 105 meters, these round images are the largest in the world to date.

Using the latest image processing and printing techniques as well as the perspective of the viewers, Asisi creates a spatial overall impression as if you are right in the middle of it.

Sound and lighting effects accentuate the experience.

Accompanying exhibitions provide more information.

Previous topics have included Mount Everest, Rome in 312, the Amazon, the Great Barrier Reef, Leipzig and the Battle of Nations, as well as the Titanic.

Among the attractions in Leipzig, the Panometer is a must-see.

In the northern part of Leipzig, near the peaceful Leipzig floodplain forest, you will find the Gohliser Schlösschen.

Built starting in 1755/56 for the Leipzig councilor Johann Caspar Richter, this grand bourgeois palace is the last one still standing in Leipzig.

The house, designed in the Baroque style and adorned with Rococo elements, consists of three wings, a tower, and two single-story outbuildings.

The interior decoration is particularly beautiful to see.

The fest hall shines with a ceiling fresco and antique wall ornaments.

Since the interior design did not directly relate to the construction of the facade, the room decorations are inconsistent.

There are only scattered Rococo elements on the outside, while the interior primarily features Classicism.

The castle was home to the Bach Archive until 1985 and is now mainly used for private events, concerts, or weddings.

However, you can also 'just' visit it and enjoy the view over the park from the café.

The Gohliser Schlösschen is one of the most beautiful attractions in Leipzig and its surroundings.

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